This Thursday sees the second Madrid derby of the season when Real Madrid entertain Atletico in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Real Madrid have to be considered as the overwhelming favourites to qualify for the semifinals for several reasons: firstly they have not been beaten by Atletico since 1999 in a competitive match and secondly, they have already beaten their rivals in the Bernabeu once this season.
Real cruised home 2-0 in November thanks to goals from Ricardo Carvalho and Mesut Ozil and after the match Atletico coach Quique Sanchez Flores expressed his resignation at the result, implying that his side could do little more.
Flores had further cause for disappointment on Monday as his side produced arguably its worst display of the season to lose 4-1 away to Hercules.
The Atletico coach will be looking for his players to produce a reaction from such a lackluster display and striker Jose Antonio Reyes commented on Tuesday that it would help motivate Atletico even more for Thursday night.
Flores is certain to bring striker Diego Forlan into his side and Forlan will partner Kun Aguero in attack.
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho meanwhile will be keen to celebrate being named as the best coach of 2010 with a home win. Real Madrid has not won the Copa del Rey since 1993 and Mourinho will take no chances and name his strongest available side.
He will make one change, however, with Lassana Diarra falling out of favor after leaving the ground at halftime following his substitution in the 4-2 triumph against Villarreal on Sunday. Diarra will be replaced by either Fernando Gago or Sami Khedira.
Thursday also sees Primera Liga strugglers Almeria entertain Deportivo la Coruna in the other quarterfinal, the winner of which faces a semifinal clash against either Betis or FC Barcelona.
